Primary Purpose: The Academic Programs Advisor effectively administers and coordinates the non-thesis graduate programs (Master of Sustainability, Master of Water Security, and graduate certificates) in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS). The primary goal of this position is to support student success and enhance student experience through all stages of the student lifecycle.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Academic Programs, the Academic Programs Advisor is responsible for all aspects of coordination and administration for the SENS professional graduate programs. Responsibilities include corresponding with prospective students, evaluating academic records, exploring academic options, coaching students for success, and monitoring progress. This position will serve as the main point of contact and support for incoming and current students and faculty for the professional programs in SENS. This position is of high complexity and works largely independently. The SENS Graduate Programs Office is a busy, high-volume environment, where timely, efficient, and effective communication and the ability to build positive relationships will be essential. Confidential materials are routinely handled. The incumbent must be able to employ problem-solving and organizational skills to determine priorities within an environment of multiple deadlines, frequent interruption, and competing demands. The ability to manage through constantly shifting priorities while maintaining forward progress is essential. The ability to work outside of typical office hours may be necessary on occasion.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
- Provide information to prospective applicants regarding academic requirements, admissions, and registration
- Review, prepare, and process student applications for the SENS non-thesis programs so that they move smoothly through the admissions cycle
- Assist with “Classbuild” when needed
- Participate in program information sessions (online) and local recruitment fairs as needed
- Coordinate and facilitate the entire student experience in SENS for all professional programs (MSs, MWS, and graduate certificates)
- Assist students with resource navigation, linking and liaising with campus and community resources that serve to support students
- Assist Program Directors with academic advising and program planning support to incoming and current non-thesis program graduate students
- Complete graduation and convocation checks
- Track students’ progress in meeting requirements and milestones—including entering student information into necessary software systems (e.g., Recruit, Banner), developing and maintaining tracking spreadsheets, and updating and tracking students through their entire graduate programs
- Work as part of a team to support the needs of SENS and actively and effectively participate on committees (e.g., Admissions and Awards Committee) as assigned
- Assist with planning special projects (e.g., orientation, annual symposium, etc.)
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum of an undergraduate degree with a preference for a background in environment, resource management, or sustainability fields.
Experience: A minimum of two to three years of experience working with students in a service-related role in a post-secondary academic setting is required. Experience with university software systems (e.g., Banner, Recruit, Degree Works) is required.
Experience with university policies and procedures, in depth knowledge of graduate education programs, and/or academic advising would be strong assets. Knowledge of the student life cycle and on/off campus resources would also be an asset.
A different combination of education and experience may be considered.
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills
- Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to prioritize, manage, and complete multiple tasks with tight timelines and competing demands
- Knowledge of student supports on campus and/or in the community
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
- Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to think and act systematically and strategically
- Capacity to demonstrate empathy, respect, and concern for the wellbeing of students, staff, and colleagues in a supportive and inclusive manner
- Strong sense of accountability with the ability to identify, track, and follow through on priorities and action items to ensure positive and timely outcomes.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Carolyn Pytlyk at 306-966-8755.
Department: School of Environment and Sustainability
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Monday – Fri, 8:30 – 4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 – 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 10/8/2025
Closing Date: 10/21/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
